and him coming to barre to see me… They don’t count, do they?
I get up to go find him, then realize that I should visit the bathroom first. My bladder’s full, and I should have fresh breath when I see him.
A few minutes later I come out, bladder relieved, face washed, teeth scrubbed and finger-combing my hair.
“You’re awake.”
Edgar’s smooth voice is the best kind of surprise, like a song from my childhood. Already showered and dressed in a button-down shirt and slacks, he’s at the doorway with a small smile and holding two mugs.
A happy warmth suffuses me. Suddenly the penthouse feels more like home.
Our home.
“Hey! Good morning.” I smile. “When did you get here? I tried to wait up for you.”
“I know, but one of my meetings ran over, and I arrived very late last night. But I come bearing presents.” He kisses me. “Well…a present.”
He tastes like mint and Edgar.
“Mmm. That’s a great present,” I say.
“That wasn’t the present. You can have that anytime.” He hands me one of the mugs, then pulls me down so we’re sitting on the bed together. He gestures until I’m upright with my back supported by the pillows piled against the headrest.
He nods toward my mug. “For you. Caffeine-free ginger and herb tea. My assistant said it’s great for settling your stomach and making you feel more focused and energized when you’re pregnant.”
I perk up, since I need something to substitute for coffee. “Thank you.” The tea is a clear orange and smells amazingly refreshing—like ginger and flowers. I take a sip. Yummy. “It’s sweet.”
“I put a tablespoon of honey in. Otherwise it’s too bland.” His tone says he’s worried he put too little honey.
“It’s perfect. Thank you.” I kiss him. “I should thank your assistant, too.” I thread my fingers through his and squeeze. “So how was work? Everything okay?”
He nods. “Nothing that couldn’t be fixed with some face time. Dad and his people just wanted a few in-person meetings.” His expression is calm. Too calm, actually.
And I’m beginning to figure out that means he’s displeased. When he’s upset, he grows impassive, like he has to be in control of himself. That probably makes him a great executive, but it can’t be good for him emotionally. My family vents freely. If we can’t do it at a particular time due to professionalism, we let it out during our dinners and lunches.
But Edgar doesn’t have any of those outlets. I’d bet my Lexus his parents aren’t the type to indulge themselves or encourage members of the family to let it out. And if you aren’t used to doing it, you aren’t going to start now all of a sudden.
On the other hand…venting to your family isn’t the only way to decompress. I smile, running my fingertips along his palm, just the nails scraping his skin.
“Ivy’s baby shower is today,” Edgar says regretfully. “We need to get ready if we don’t want to be late.”
“What time is it?” I ask, surprised.
“Ten.”
“No way,” I say.
“Yeah.”
I put the unfinished mug on the night table, then take his and place it next to mine.
He raises an eyebrow, a corner of his mouth twitching.
I straddle him. “Then we’d better hurry.”
“I don’t know if we can rush through what I have in mind,” he says, his eyes going dark.
“I didn’t say rush. I said hurry.” And I kiss him before he can try to put in the last word.
Chapter Forty-Seven
Jo
Despite my best efforts, we’re late. When we both came the first time, I thought we were finished and should start getting ready. But then Edgar got hard again almost immediately, and we had to go for round two. Life tip: it’s difficult to say no when a man’s erection is still lodged inside you, and you’re still so wet you’re dripping.
But it was worth it to see Edgar so relaxed and happy. And I’m feeling pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.
And late or not, we have gifts for Ivy’s twins… Although as we get closer to Tony’s mansion, I start having second thoughts.
“Do you think they’re enough?” I ask for the third time, worried about the mini-tux and mini-dress.
“Yes,” Edgar says.
“But she’s a billionaire.” I’ve never been to a billionaire’s baby shower. What if I’m expected to bring something more extravagant than Armani?
“Actually, she isn’t. Tony is. And this is just a party to celebrate their twins and give some thoughtful gifts. No big deal. Just don’t be surprised if it’s a bit unorthodox, though. Yuna’s